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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suffered From Panic Attacks, Prescribed Paxil, Gained Weight. Side Effects Of Medicine? Reason?

I have suffered from panic attacks for 35 years. Finally my Doctor prescribed Paxil . I asked if there were any side-effects - he said no. After 6 months I gained at least 20 pounds - (I hardly ate anything)! Within 1 month I discontinued the Meds - only 10 mg and lost the weight. After 7 years I still suffer from crazy dreams. Please - what is going on. I appreciate your assistance. P.S. I am back to my normal weight, thankfully after going off the Meds.. No more INSANE drugs for me. Thank you for your consideration
Wed, 25 Sep 2013
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello
Welcome to HCM

Paroxetine is a SSRI drug and it is a good drug for anxiety and panic attacks. It is commonly used in a lot of anxiety disorders. It has a little sedation and weight gain as side effect. But the side effects are reversible. If you are afraid to gain weight I would advise you to consult your psychiatrist again for anxiety and panic attacks. Other drugs of SSRI group like Fluoxetine, Escitalopram dont cause gain in weight and infact cause loss of weight. So consult your psychiatrist again and remember these are not Insane drugs, the drugs help to improve living, there are not the drugs for insane.

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Suffered From Panic Attacks, Prescribed Paxil, Gained Weight. Side Effects Of Medicine? Reason?

Hello Welcome to HCM Paroxetine is a SSRI drug and it is a good drug for anxiety and panic attacks. It is commonly used in a lot of anxiety disorders. It has a little sedation and weight gain as side effect. But the side effects are reversible. If you are afraid to gain weight I would advise you to consult your psychiatrist again for anxiety and panic attacks. Other drugs of SSRI group like Fluoxetine, Escitalopram dont cause gain in weight and infact cause loss of weight. So consult your psychiatrist again and remember these are not Insane drugs, the drugs help to improve living, there are not the drugs for insane. Thanks